Among the gangsters, gamblers and high rollers: a master bookie’s life in Las Vegas

Guardian Sport

by Rich Tenorio

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In his memoir, Art Manteris, a former master bookie at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, shares an unforgettable story from 1985’s Super Bowl. The game saw the New England Patriots suffer a humiliating 46-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, with one of the most surprising moments involving William “The Refrigerator” Perry scoring a touchdown. Manteris had offered odds on whether Perry would score during the game, and as fans rushed to bet on the popular player, Caesars Palace faced a significant financial risk if he did. When Perry crossed into the end zone, gamblers collected $250,000, leaving Manteris to face his boss, Henry Gluck, the next day—a moment that highlighted the high-stakes nature of sports betting. Manteris’s memoir, *Among the Gangsters, Gamblers and High Rollers*, is filled with wild anecdotes from his decades in Las Vegas. He reflects on a career that saw him navigate the dangerous world of bookmaking, where one wrong bet or miscalculation could lead to severe consequences. His story of the Super Bowl is just one example of how volatile and unpredictable the gambling industry can be. Manteris warns of the potential dangers of the explosion of sports betting in the U.S., particularly the lack of regulation and the risks it poses to both individuals and businesses. For readers interested in sports, Manteris’s memoir offers a unique perspective on the intersection of athletics and gambling. His account of the Super Bowl highlights how even the most seemingly improbable moments can have real-world consequences. As sports betting continues to grow in popularity across the U.S., Manteris’s cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved—and why understanding the risks is crucial for anyone involved in this fast-growing industry.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/25/2026